Word From Black Rock City
This dispatch comes to you from Black Rock City, Nevada, where we've heard tell that in the past, there's been a sign at the entrance reading: "If you've been here before: no explanations necessary. If you haven't been here before: no explanations possible." This is truth. No matter how many times you hear playa stories or see playa pictures, you can't understand what it is to be a citizen of this city until you've spent a week on the playa yourself. You've got to breathe the dust, feel the heat, behold the naked bodies, and take in the mindbending neonesque cityscape at night. There are no words to fully describe the conditions, the look, the sound, or the vibe of this place. We think this is why we've met so many people who have crossed not only this continent but oceans to be here.
So how was Burning Man this year? Well, we can tell you that aside from a frightful sandstorm on Wednesday, the weather was absolutely delightful. We can tell you that there was the usual supply of astounding art (more than last year). We can happily report that music on the playa this year seemed a lot less skewed toward the electronic end of the spectrum. We can tell you that Black Rock City has been its usual loud, colorful, dirty, energy-filled nexus of celebratin' and hellraisin'. But none of this really means anything at all.
Because here is another truth about the Burning Man experience: Everyone must have their own Burn. Some come to Black Rock City on a spiritual journey. Some come to express themselves via their art, their music, their dance. Some come to get loaded, screwed, or both. Some come simply to chill in the desert heat. Some come looking for something. Some find what they seek. Some don't. Some don't look for anything but find something anyway. A 21-year-old student named Joy told us what she'd found: "I know how this sounds," she said, fearing skepticism, "but I totally feel reborn." The look in her eyes told us she meant it.
We know what she's feeling, and it is beautiful. She's been touched by this place in the special (highly specific, highly individualized) way that this place can touch people. Joy had a beautiful Burn.
So, how was Burning Man this year? If you were here, you already know the answer. You know what kind of Burn you had. And if you were not here, no answer is possible. But we hope you will become a citizen of our wondrous city next year.